U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline, who is seeking to make the Blackstone River Valley a National Park, received a "Friend of National Parks" award from the National Parks Conservation Association Wednesday.
A House committee will hold a hearing on Cicilline's Blackstone River Valley bill on Tuesday.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed has introduced the same bill in the Senate.
"We are grateful that our members of Congress have demonstrated a solid commitment to preserving America's national parks," said NPCA Acting President Theresa Pierno.
As the National Park Service approaches its centennial in 2016, support from Congress "is essential to ensure places like Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and the Everglades are preserved and protected for our children and grandchildren to enjoy," Pierno said.